And there's little doubt that certain calls seem to go Miami's way, including at crucial times. If you want to call them 50-50 fouls, that's fine; it seems like 100 percent go to the Heat.
But focusing on that is ignoring why Miami has taken control. The thing is, the Thunder are only a few plays from leading 2-1. Then again, Miami is one bad quarter from a 3-0 lead. And the Thunder haven't played what anyone would consider their best game.
But the Thunder must start playing consistent defense (Miami made 15 of 22 field goals inside five feet in the first half Sunday, according to ESPN; the Thunder made 12 of 26 from that range for the whole game), they can't commit boneheaded fouls on 3-point shooters and they need to swipe some of Miami's toughness. The Heat look hungrier, more desperate to win. Hate them all you want; they're playing like champions.
The Thunder, as numerous storylines go, are showing their age. But it's also true that they haven't faced a defense like this all postseason. It's also true that San Antonio held a 2-0 lead over them and looked fantastic. Then the Spurs lost four straight.
So the Heat-Thunder series isn't over. But if the Thunder don't alter their ways, it will be soon.
- John Keim
